Tim Hardaway Pledges Support for 'No Recall Group,' Gay Issues

Former UTEP and NBA star Tim Hardaway, who made headlines for anti-gay remarks, pledges support for a group that opposes the recall of three El Paso city officials who support benefits for gay and unmarried couples.

EL PASO, Texas -

The group opposing a recall of El Paso Mayor John Cook and two city representatives for their support of partner benefits for city employees got an endorsement Thursday from an unlikely source: former University of Texas at El Paso superstar and NBA All-Star Tim Hardaway, who once made headlines for saying he "hated gay people."

The message of Thursday's news conference, held by El Paso's "No Recall Group," was to try to provoke a change of heart for those who oppose health benefits for gay and unmarried partners of city employees. It was clear that Hardaway has had a "change of heart" of his own.

When asked on a Miami radio show in 2007 what he thought of having a gay teammate, Hardaway replied: "Whoa, first of all, I wouldn't want him on my team."

After it was pointed out by the host of the show that his comments were "homophobic" and "bigotry," Hardaway replied, "You know, I hate gay people. I let it be known."

Hardaway's anti-gay rant drew criticism across the country, including on late-night talk shows. However, that was four years ago. This is what Tim Hardaway was saying Thursday:

"It's not right to not let the gays and lesbians have equal rights here," said the 44-year-old, who has been working with gay rights groups in Miami and is now lending an assist to El Paso's "No Recall Group," opposing the recall of Cook and City Reps. Susie Byrd and Steve Ortega, who voted to re-establish domestic partner benefits for gay and unmarried partners of city employees.

"If I know El Paso, like they came together when the 1966 team won a championship and Don Haskins started those five guys," Hardaway said, "I know the city will grow and understand that gays and lesbians need equal rights."

Hardaway told ABC-7 his "change of heart" came from those closest to him.

"My family and friends came to me and were like, 'What are you doing?'" Hardaway said. "I talked to them and they made me understand that wasn't right."

Hardaway, whose jersey was retired last year by the Miami Heat, has only recently begun to gain acceptance back in NBA circles. He is currently the vice pesident of community relations for the Heat.

City Representative Byrd said if Hardaway can have a "change of heart, anybody can."

The "No Recall Group" will hold a picnic at 5 p.m. Sunday at Memorial Park. Everyone is welcome.

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